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Politics

21st Nov 2018

MPs reprimanded for having a kickabout in the House of Commons

And they're much better than my boss at keepie uppies

Oli Dugmore

And they’re much better than Brian at keepie uppies

A group of MPs were reprimanded by John Bercow for having a kickabout in the House of Commons chamber on Tuesday evening.

The speaker of the house said the “historic chamber should not be used for this type of activity.”

The five-a-side team were planning on playing their first match as a team but had to postpone the fixture after voting in the Commons overran.

SNP MP Hannah Bardell tweeted a video of herself doing a few keepie uppies, as well as a squad picture of the UK Women’s Parliamentary Football Club.

UKWPFC includes former sports minister Tracey Crouch, as well as Stephanie Peacock, Louise Haigh and Alison McGovern.

In a statement to the Commons on Wednesday, Bercow said: “It has been brought to my attention that some football skills were displayed in the chamber yesterday evening after the House rose.

“I am informed that the doorkeepers on duty told the members concerned that the chamber was not the place for this activity, however, those doorkeepers were advised that permission had been given.

“Let me assure the House that that permission certainly did not come from me.

“I think I can speak for us all when I say that our historic chamber should not be used for this type of activity and I gently remind colleagues if they are seeking to use the chamber outside of sitting hours beyond for the purpose of simply showing it to guests, frankly they should write to me asking for their request to be considered.

“I have said what I have said, there are no hard feelings and I consider the matter to be closed.”